The Gift of Planning

Let’s get started! 

Fill out the form below to get the process started. If you still have questions or would like to talk to someone first, visit our Contact page to get in touch.

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Filling out this form

Completing the information for your plan takes about 30 minutes. You can browse as much as you like before beginning the process. Other than your name, no fields are required. We do ask that you please include your last name at the beginning of every section you complete. This is so we can keep all your information together.

If you don't have 30 minutes, you can choose to do one or more sections, hit Submit, and your information will be saved.

Each section takes 1 - 2 minutes.


Personal Information

Beneficiaries

What is a beneficiary? We often think of children as being the main beneficiaries. And if you have children, you probably think of them first.

But beneficiaries can include anyone you choose to give a gift to. It could be a parent, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, a brother or sister, a friend, or even a charitable organization.

Beneficiary 1

Beneficiary 2

Beneficiary 3

Beneficiary 4

Beneficiary 5

 

Choosing Your Trustee

Every trust needs someone to manage the assets and ultimately distribute them. This person is called the "trustee." If you're single, you normally name yourself as trustee. If you're married, you normally name yourself and your spouse as co-trustees.

But you need to appoint one or more successor trustees other than you or your spouse in case you or your spouse become incapacitated. And of course you especially need a successor trustee when you (and your spouse) have died.

Generally, the most efficient way to manage a trust's assets after you (and your spouse) have died is to appoint a single successor trustee.

It's also very common to appoint two or more successor trustees to manage things after you (and your spouse) have died. These people are called "co-trustees." Many people choose co-trustees because their families have a tradition of consensus decision-making or they simply don't want to hurt someone's feelings by keeping them out of the decision-making and administration of the trust.

Single Trustees

Co-Trustees

 

Power of Attorney

 When you give someone a Power of Attorney, that person is called your "attorney-in-fact" or "agent." Many people give their Trustee their Power of Attorney.

When you give someone a Power of Attorney (POA), that person is called your "attorney-in-fact" or "agent." Many people give their Trustee their Power of Attorney. In a well-planned Trust, the POA is not necessary. Because The Gift of Planning includes free yearly updates, it is unlikely that your POA will ever be needed.

Advanced Health Care Directive

Transferring Your Assets

The most important asset to transfer -- by far! -- is your house and any other real property you own. You MUST complete this step to avoid probate.

Transferring Your House

Names on Deed

Legal Description

The legal description of your property will either be directly below your name(s) or it will be on a separate piece of paper attached to your deed.